What was the smallest bore that was based around the 45-70 brass.

[greywuuf]

There appears to be a .40, was there ever a 38 or even a 35? ( guess if I make one it could be the 38 extra special)

[Bad Ass Wallace]

38/56 (0.375) Winchester!

[sharps4590]

33 Winchester as far as I know. I used to have an '86 in the 33 and all my brass was necked down 45-70. I think after 1902 the 33 WCF was all the '86 was available in, subject to correction.

[Good Cheer]

My version.

[Nueces]

33 Winchester as far as I know. I used to have an '86 in the 33 and all my brass was necked down 45-70. I think after 1902 the 33 WCF was all the '86 was available in, subject to correction.

I agree with sharps here, at least with factory rounds. My 1904 86 in 33 WCF shoots reformed 45-70 cases wonderfully. Someone must have tried to go smaller, maybe written up in one of the old gunzines.

[Chill Wills]

I am assuming 'smallest' as a factory cartridge. And in that case I agree, the 33 Winchester, which was always a smokeless round would be it.
As a "black powder factory smallest" - the 38-56 Winchester wins the prize. This, from memory too, so I could be wrong.

[MostlyLeverGuns]

For a rimmed cartridge, the 33 WCF, showed up in the 1886 Winchester and might be the smallest though not black powder. I have always believed that the 284 Win might have started out as a 45-70 as the head diameter is the same, turn off the rim and neck down to 7mm gives the 284 Win.. I do not really believe it was a ' BRAND NEW' creation. ? ? ?

[Shanghai Jack]

There's a guy on shooters forum that has done a bunch of wildcats - necking down as far as 224.

[Tim357]

Winchester had a stroke of genius with the 1886. All rounds were based on the .45/70 case, with the difference being bullet diameter. All that was needed for a new caliber was a barrel change.

[Nueces]

Winchester had a stroke of genius with the 1886. All rounds were based on the .45/70 case, with the difference being bullet diameter. All that was needed for a new caliber was a barrel change.

The caliber 50 series have a larger case diameter at the rim, but the same rim size, so all can use the same bolt.

[greywuuf]

So I could feasibly do a custom 38-56 ( say in .357 just to match my pistols and 358 win )and it is not horribly outlandish ?

[greywuuf]

Tell me more about your "long cox" ......not something I ever imagined myself saying .....but it looks like a super long neck for ease of use with heavy lead. What diameter is the lead ? Please say .357/.358 and please say you still have the reamer ....

[greywuuf]

My version.

Please tell me more! ....you still have the reamer, can I get a barrel for that ...and what diameter did you go with ?

[indian joe]

I am assuming 'smallest' as a factory cartridge. And in that case I agree, the 33 Winchester, which was always a smokeless round would be it.
As a "black powder factory smallest" - the 38-56 Winchester wins the prize. This, from memory too, so I could be wrong.

kerect on both counts I believe